B.Sc Nursing Reservation Policy 2026: A Comprehensive Guide to SC, ST, OBC, EWS, and PwD Quotas
- Vaishnavi Mestry
- Dec 24
- 4 min read
The medical landscape in India is undergoing a significant transformation, and nursing has emerged as a cornerstone of the healthcare sector. As we approach the academic session of 2026, understanding the B.Sc Nursing Reservation Policy 2026 is vital for thousands of aspirants seeking admission into premier institutions like AIIMS, PGIMER, and various state-run medical colleges.
The B.Sc Nursing reservation policy for 2026 follows standardized Central and State Government mandates to ensure equitable access across medical and nursing institutions. This guide provides an in-depth look at the seat distribution, eligibility criteria, and documentation required to secure a seat under the reserved categories.
Core Reservation Percentages (National & Central Institutes)
For central institutes like AIIMS and the 15% All India Quota (AIQ) in government colleges, the vertical reservation percentages are firmly established for the 2026 session. These rules are designed to provide a level playing field for candidates from historically marginalized or economically disadvantaged backgrounds.
Vertical Reservation Table 2026
Category | Reservation Percentage |
|---|---|
Scheduled Caste (SC) | 15% |
Scheduled Tribe (ST) | 7.5% |
Other Backward Classes (OBC-NCL) | 27% (Central List Only) |
Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) | 10% |
Persons with Disabilities (PwD) | 5% (Horizontal) |
Category-Specific Criteria for 2026 Admissions
To avail of the benefits under the B.Sc Nursing Reservation Policy 2026, candidates must meet specific socio-economic and medical criteria. The 2026 session mandates stricter verification processes to ensure that the benefits reach the rightful beneficiaries.
1. OBC-NCL (Non-Creamy Layer)
Benefits apply only to the Non-Creamy Layer, defined by an annual family income below ₹8 lakh. For the 2026 session, a valid OBC-NCL certificate issued on or after April 1, 2025, is typically required. It is essential to ensure your caste is listed in the Central List of OBCs; otherwise, you may only be eligible for state-specific quotas.
2. EWS (Economically Weaker Sections)
The 10% EWS quota is reserved for General category candidates whose annual family income is below ₹8 lakh. Additionally, candidates must meet specific asset criteria, such as owning less than 5 acres of agricultural land. The income and asset certificate for 2026 must be issued for the 2025-26 financial year.
3. PwD (Persons with Disabilities)
In the nursing domain, physical fitness is a key component. Candidates must have a minimum of 40% benchmark disability as per the RPwD Act 2016. For nursing, this often refers specifically to locomotor disability of the lower extremities (typically in the range of 40% to 50%).
4. SC/ST (Scheduled Castes & Tribes)
Candidates must belong to castes or tribes officially listed in the Central List to avail of AIQ benefits. Unlike OBC-NCL, SC/ST certificates generally do not have an expiration date unless specified by a particular state or institution, but they must be in the prescribed format.
State Quota (85%) & Special Reservations
While Central institutes follow a uniform pattern, the reservation for the 85% state quota is governed by individual state policies. These can vary significantly from central norms.
Female Quota:
Nursing has traditionally been a female-dominated field, and many institutions maintain this. For example, AIIMS B.Sc (Hons) Nursing is exclusively for female candidates. In states like Maharashtra, the 2026 policy includes a 30% reservation for female students across various categories in co-ed institutions.
Domicile Requirements:
To claim a seat under the 85% state quota, a valid Domicile Certificate is mandatory. This proves that the candidate has resided in the state for the required duration (usually 10 years).
Qualifying Marks Relaxation:
One of the biggest advantages of the B.Sc Nursing Reservation Policy 2026 is the relaxation in entrance exam cut-offs. While General/EWS candidates often need 50% to 55% marks, SC/ST/OBC candidates usually receive a 5% relaxation, requiring only 45% or 40% to qualify.
Essential Documentation for 2026 Counseling
Missing a single document can lead to the cancellation of a reserved seat. Ensure you have the following updated certificates ready for the 2026 counseling process:
Caste Certificate:
Issued by a competent authority (Tehsildar or above) for SC/ST/OBC-NCL.
EWS Certificate:
Valid for the 2025-26 financial year.
Disability Certificate:
Issued by an authorized medical board/center (e.g., Safdarjung Hospital, AIIMS).
Domicile Certificate:
Required for state-specific 85% quota claims.
Income Certificate:
Specifically required for OBC-NCL and EWS to prove financial status.
Conclusion
Securing a seat in a B.Sc Nursing program requires more than just academic excellence; it requires a strategic understanding of the admission rules. The B.Sc Nursing Reservation Policy 2026 is a vital tool for social equity, providing opportunities to talented students from all walks of life. By ensuring your documentation is up-to-date and understanding your category-specific relaxations, you can significantly improve your chances of admission into a top-tier medical institution.
FAQs
Q1. Is NEET compulsory for B.Sc Nursing under the reservation policy in 2026?
While many universities (like IPU and BHU) use NEET scores for admission, others like AIIMS and PGIMER conduct their own entrance exams. However, the B.Sc Nursing Reservation Policy 2026 remains consistent across these different entry modes, adhering to the 15% SC, 7.5% ST, and 27% OBC quotas.
Q2. Can a male candidate apply for B.Sc Nursing at AIIMS in 2026?
No, the AIIMS B.Sc (Hons) Nursing course is currently reserved for female candidates only. Male candidates can apply for B.Sc Nursing at other central universities or private institutions through exams like NEET or state-specific CETs.
Q3. What is the income limit for the EWS quota in nursing admissions?
As per the latest guidelines, the gross annual family income must be below ₹8 lakh. This includes income from all sources (salary, agriculture, business, etc.) for the financial year prior to the year of application.
Q4. Can I apply for both the State and Central reservation quotas?
Yes. You can apply for the 15% All India Quota (AIQ) using your Central Category Certificate and the 85% State Quota using your State Domicile and Category Certificate.